Florida Power & Light Company Biological Plan of Study Implementation for St. Lucie Plant EPU Post-Uprate Event 7 Data Report

Report to Florida Power & Light Company

June 2014

Submitted by Ecological Associates, Inc. Post Office Box 405 Jensen Beach, Florida

INTRODUCTION

During January 2014 and February 2014, Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) conducted the seventh post-uprate field sampling event in accordance with the St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Plan of Study. Sampling was conducted on six days between January 27, 2014 and February 25, 2014. Data collected included general environmental data; water quality data; numbers and sizes of fish and shellfish collected by gill net, trawl, and beach seine; numbers of fish eggs and larvae and commercially or recreationally important decapod larvae collected by plankton net; and, numbers and sizes of sea turtles observed. Results of the seventh post-uprate sampling event are provided in this report. All data should be considered preliminary until quality assurance checks have been completed.

SAMPLING LOCATIONS

Sampling was conducted within three separate sampling sites: SL1 located midway between the St. Lucie Plant and the Ft. Pierce Inlet, SL2 located in the vicinity of the St. Lucie Plant cooling water discharge, and SL3 located midway between the St. Lucie Plant and the St. Lucie Inlet.

For the purposes of gill netting and trawling, three transects were established within each of the three sampling sites: Transect A was located approximately 600 ft from shore on the beach terrace in water depths of 8-32 ft, Transect B was located approximately 4,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 34-45 ft, and Transect C was located approximately 8,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 31-47 ft. Plankton samples were collected concurrently with trawl samples at all three sites but only on Transects A and C.

Three stations were also established within each of the three sampling sites for the purpose of beach seining: Station A was located 0.5 mi. north of the center of the site, Station B was located at the center of the site, and Station C was located 0.5 mi. south of the center of the site. At all stations, seines were pulled to the beach from a water depth of approximately 4 ft.

For the purpose of boat-based sea turtle surveys, one transect was established in each of the three sampling sites. The transects were located along nearshore hardbottom habitat in each site.

RESULTS

Environmental data were recorded at each station during each day of sampling. Data recorded included sea conditions, air temperature, wind speed and direction, and sky conditions. Environmental data are summarized by day in Table 1. Values reflect the range of values recorded throughout each day of sampling.

Water quality data were recorded at three locations and three depths along each of the nine transects established for trawl and gill net sampling. Data recorded included specific conductivity, water temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO). Water quality data are provided in Table 2.

ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA POST-UPRATE EVENT 7 DATA REPORT, ST. LUCIE PLANT EPU BIOLOGICAL STUDY

Trawls were towed for 15 minutes along each of the nine transects. The scientific and common names of all specimens captured by all gear types are listed in Table 3. The numbers of fish and invertebrates collected in each 15-minute tow are presented in Table 4. Because of variations in tow speed, the distances the trawl traveled during a 15-minute tow varied (based on GPS readings). In order to compare abundances among stations in terms of catch per unit effort, the numbers collected per kilometer of bottom sampled were calculated and are presented in Table 5.

The numbers of fish and invertebrates collected by gill net on each of the nine transects is given in Table 6. At each transect the gill net began to be retrieved 30 minutes after it was set. However, the total soak time (time from when the net first entered the water until the time it was completely removed from the water) varied among transects because of differences in retrieval times associated with variations in the number of fish present in the net. In order to compare abundances among stations in terms of catch per unit effort, the numbers collected per hour of total soak time were calculated and are given in Table 7.

Beach seines were deployed at each of the nine stations previously described. The numbers of fish and invertebrates collected at each station are presented in Table 8.

A maximum of 25 representative specimens of each Representative Important (RIS) of fish collected at each transect/station by trawl, gill net, and beach seine were measured (total length) and a batch weight for those specimens was obtained. Average lengths and average weights of each RIS at each station/transect for each gear type are presented in Table 9.

Bongo nets were used to collect fish eggs and larvae as well as commercially or recreationally important invertebrate larvae at each of the six transects previously described. Nets were pulled for 15 minutes and the volume of water filtered determined by means of flow meters. Numbers of individuals per cubic meter of water filtered are given in Table 10.

To quantify the number of sea turtles present in each of the three sampling sites, one one- kilometer-long transect in each sampling site was traversed by boat twice. The numbers of sea turtles sighted during each pass along each transect are presented in Table 11.

ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA 2 Table 1. Environmental Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 7 (January 2014 - February 2014), St. Luice Plant EPU Biological Study. Values reflect the range of values recorded throughout each day of sampling.

Wind Speed and Sampling Date Sea Conditions Air Temp Sky Conditions Direction Trawls/ 1/27/2014 0-2 ft swells 19.2-24.4°C 1-5 mph, NNW to SSW Clear to Partly Cloudy Ichthyoplankton Trawls/ 1/28/2014 0-2 ft swells 18.2-20.4°C 0-3 mph, W to SW Clear to Partly Cloudy Ichthyoplankton

Gill Nets 1/27/2014 1-2 ft Swells 20.2-25.1°C 3-12 mph, S-SW Clear

Gill Nets 1/28/2014 1 ft Swells 20.8-24.0°C 3-5 mph, SW Clear

Beach Seines 2/25/2014 1-2 ft Swells 23.0-27.4°C 5-10 mph, N to NE Clear to Mostly Cloudy

Sea Turtle 2/25/2014 2-3 ft Swells 24.4-25.4°C 5-10 mph, NE Partly Cloudy Transects Table 2. Water Quality Data, Post Uprate Sampling Event 7 (January 2014 - February 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. Specific Water Salinity DO Transect Station Depth Conductivity Temp pH (PSU) (mg/l) (mS/cm) (°C) Surface 53.4 20.2 34.8 8.4 6.4 North Mid-Depth 53.3 20.0 34.9 8.4 6.4 Bottom 53.3 19.4 34.8 8.4 6.4 Surface 53.3 20.5 34.9 8.4 6.4 Trawl Middle Mid-Depth 53.3 20.1 34.8 8.4 6.4 SL1 A Bottom 53.3 19.5 34.8 8.4 6.4 Surface 53.4 20.4 34.9 8.4 6.4 South Mid-Depth 53.3 20.3 34.9 8.4 6.4 Bottom 53.3 19.8 34.9 8.4 6.4 Surface 53.4 21.1 35.0 8.4 6.4 North Mid-Depth 53.4 20.7 35.0 8.4 6.4 Bottom 53.5 19.2 35.0 8.4 6.6 Surface 53.4 21.2 35.0 8.4 6.2 Trawl Middle Mid-Depth 53.4 20.9 35.0 8.3 6.3 SL1 B Bottom 53.4 19.3 35.0 8.3 6.3 Surface 53.5 21.2 35.0 8.4 6.1 South Mid-Depth 53.5 21.0 35.0 8.4 6.2 Bottom 53.4 19.6 34.9 8.4 6.3 Surface 53.7 22.3 35.3 8.4 6.2 North Mid-Depth 53.5 22.2 35.2 8.4 6.2 Bottom 53.5 21.6 35.1 8.4 6.3 Surface 53.6 22.4 35.2 8.4 6.3 Trawl Middle Mid-Depth 53.5 22.3 35.2 8.4 6.2 SL1 C Bottom 53.5 22.1 35.2 8.4 6.3 Surface 53.5 22.6 35.2 8.4 6.3 South Mid-Depth 53.5 22.5 35.2 8.4 6.3 Bottom 53.5 22.1 35.2 8.4 6.3 Surface 53.3 18.8 34.8 8.3 6.7 North Mid-Depth 53.3 18.8 34.8 8.3 6.7 Bottom 53.3 18.8 34.8 8.3 6.7 Surface 53.3 18.7 34.9 8.3 6.6 Trawl Middle Mid-Depth 53.3 18.8 34.8 8.3 6.6 SL2 A Bottom 53.3 18.8 34.8 8.3 6.7 Surface 53.3 19.4 34.8 8.4 6.7 South Mid-Depth 53.3 19.1 34.8 8.4 6.7 Bottom 53.3 18.9 34.8 8.4 6.7 Specific Water Salinity DO Transect Station Depth Conductivity Temp pH (PSU) (mg/l) (mS/cm) (°C) Surface 53.6 23.1 35.2 8.3 6.4 North Mid-Depth 53.6 22.2 35.2 8.3 6.4 Bottom 53.5 22.0 35.1 8.3 6.4 Surface 53.6 23.1 36.3 8.4 6.3 Trawl Middle Mid-Depth 53.6 22.2 35.2 8.3 6.3 SL2 B Bottom 53.6 22.0 35.1 8.3 6.4 Surface 53.6 23.1 35.3 8.4 6.1 South Mid-Depth 53.6 22.2 35.1 8.4 6.3 Bottom 53.6 22.0 35.1 8.4 6.3 Surface 53.6 23.6 35.4 8.4 6.2 North Mid-Depth 53.6 22.2 35.2 8.4 6.2 Bottom 53.5 21.9 35.1 8.4 6.3 Surface 53.6 23.6 35.3 8.3 6.2 Trawl Middle Mid-Depth 53.5 22.1 35.2 8.3 6.3 SL2 C Bottom 53.5 21.9 35.1 8.3 6.4 Surface 53.6 23.6 35.3 8.3 6.2 South Mid-Depth 53.6 22.6 35.2 8.3 6.2 Bottom 53.5 21.9 35.2 8.3 6.4 Surface 53.1 21.4 34.8 8.3 6.5 North Mid-Depth 53.1 21.3 34.8 8.3 6.5 Bottom 53.1 21.1 34.8 8.3 6.5 Surface 53.1 21.4 34.8 8.3 6.5 Trawl Middle Mid-Depth 53.1 21.5 34.8 8.3 6.4 SL3 A Bottom 53.1 21.5 34.8 8.3 6.5 Surface 53.1 21.2 34.8 8.4 6.4 South Mid-Depth 53.1 21.2 34.8 8.4 6.4 Bottom 53.1 21.2 34.8 8.4 6.4 Surface 53.4 23.4 35.1 8.3 6.4 North Mid-Depth 53.4 23.3 35.1 8.3 6.4 Bottom 53.4 20.1 35.1 8.3 6.4 Surface 53.4 22.9 35.1 8.3 6.4 Trawl Middle Mid-Depth 53.4 23.0 35.1 8.3 6.4 SL3 B Bottom 53.4 20.1 35.1 8.3 6.3 Surface 53.6 23.1 35.2 8.3 6.3 South Mid-Depth 53.5 23.2 35.1 8.3 6.2 Bottom 53.5 20.1 35.1 8.3 6.3 Specific Water Salinity DO Transect Station Depth Conductivity Temp pH (PSU) (mg/l) (mS/cm) (°C) Surface 53.8 23.9 35.4 8.3 6.4 North Mid-Depth 53.7 23.7 35.4 8.3 6.4 Bottom 53.7 23.0 35.3 8.3 6.4 Surface 53.7 23.9 35.3 8.3 6.4 Trawl Middle Mid-Depth 53.7 23.7 35.3 8.3 6.4 SL3 C Bottom 53.6 22.5 35.2 8.3 6.5 Surface 53.6 23.9 35.3 8.3 6.4 South Mid-Depth 53.6 23.9 35.3 8.3 6.5 Bottom 53.6 23.0 35.3 8.3 6.5 Surface 53.4 22.6 35.1 8.1 6.2 East Mid-Depth 53.4 22.1 35.1 8.2 6.3 Bottom 53.4 21.8 35.1 8.2 6.4 Surface 53.3 22.7 35.0 8.1 6.3 Gill Net Middle Mid-Depth 53.3 22.1 35.0 8.1 6.2 SL1 A Bottom 53.3 22.0 35.0 8.1 6.3 Surface 53.3 22.1 35.0 8.1 6.3 West Mid-Depth 53.3 22.1 35.0 8.1 6.2 Bottom 53.3 22.1 35.0 8.1 6.2 Surface 53.4 22.6 35.1 8.2 6.3 East Mid-Depth 53.5 22.4 35.2 8.2 6.3 Bottom 53.4 20.2 34.9 8.2 6.4 Surface 53.3 22.7 35.0 8.1 6.4 Gill Net Middle Mid-Depth 53.5 22.4 35.1 8.1 6.4 SL1 B Bottom 53.3 20.3 35.0 8.1 6.4 Surface 53.3 22.7 35.0 8.1 6.4 West Mid-Depth 53.4 22.4 35.1 8.1 6.4 Bottom 53.3 20.2 34.9 8.1 6.5 Surface 53.5 23.1 35.2 8.2 6.3 East Mid-Depth 53.5 23.0 35.2 8.2 6.2 Bottom 53.4 23.0 35.2 8.2 6.2 Surface 53.5 22.9 35.2 8.1 6.5 Gill Net Middle Mid-Depth 53.5 22.8 35.2 8.2 6.4 SL1 C Bottom 53.5 22.8 35.1 8.1 6.3 Surface 53.5 22.8 35.2 8.1 6.4 West Mid-Depth 53.5 22.8 35.2 8.1 6.4 Bottom 53.4 22.8 35.1 8.1 6.3 Specific Water Salinity DO Transect Station Depth Conductivity Temp pH (PSU) (mg/l) (mS/cm) (°C) Surface 53.4 19.8 34.9 8.3 7.0 East Mid-Depth 53.4 18.9 34.9 8.3 7.1 Bottom 53.3 18.7 34.9 8.3 7.1 Surface 53.4 18.9 34.8 8.3 7.0 Gill Net Middle Mid-Depth 53.3 18.6 34.8 8.3 7.0 SL2 A Bottom 53.3 18.6 34.9 8.3 7.0 Surface 53.3 18.9 34.7 8.3 6.6 West Mid-Depth 53.3 18.6 34.8 8.3 6.9 Bottom 53.3 18.6 34.8 8.3 6.9 Surface 53.5 18.9 35.0 8.3 7.3 East Mid-Depth 53.5 18.8 35.0 8.3 7.2 Bottom 53.5 18.8 35.0 8.3 7.2 Surface 53.4 18.9 34.9 8.3 7.3 Gill Net Middle Mid-Depth 53.4 18.8 34.9 8.3 7.2 SL2 B Bottom 53.4 18.8 34.9 8.3 7.1 Surface 53.4 18.9 34.9 8.3 7.3 West Mid-Depth 53.5 18.8 35.0 8.3 7.2 Bottom 53.5 18.8 35.0 8.3 7.1 Surface 53.5 23.3 35.2 8.2 6.2 East Mid-Depth 53.5 23.3 35.2 8.2 6.2 Bottom 53.5 23.4 35.2 8.2 6.2 Surface 53.5 23.2 35.2 8.1 6.4 Gill Net Middle Mid-Depth 53.5 23.2 35.2 8.1 6.3 SL2 C Bottom 53.5 23.3 35.2 8.1 6.2 Surface 53.4 23.2 35.2 8.1 6.3 West Mid-Depth 53.5 23.2 35.2 8.1 6.2 Bottom 53.5 23.3 35.2 8.1 6.2 Surface 53.0 18.9 34.5 8.3 6.9 East Mid-Depth 53.1 18.8 34.7 8.3 6.9 Bottom 53.3 18.7 34.7 8.3 6.9 Surface 52.7 19.1 34.4 8.3 6.8 Gill Net Middle Mid-Depth 53.1 19.3 34.8 8.3 6.9 SL3 A Bottom 53.2 19.0 34.7 8.3 6.9 Surface 52.4 18.8 34.2 8.3 6.9 West Mid-Depth 53.3 19.2 34.8 8.3 6.9 Bottom 53.5 18.9 34.8 8.3 6.9 Specific Water Salinity DO Transect Station Depth Conductivity Temp pH (PSU) (mg/l) (mS/cm) (°C) Surface 53.2 21.7 34.9 8.5 6.6 East Mid-Depth 53.4 19.5 34.9 8.5 6.9 Bottom 53.4 19.2 34.9 8.4 6.9 Surface 53.1 21.7 34.8 8.3 6.6 Gill Net Middle Mid-Depth 53.3 19.5 34.8 8.3 6.8 SL3 B Bottom 53.4 19.1 34.9 8.3 6.8 Surface 53.2 21.7 34.9 8.3 6.7 West Mid-Depth 53.3 19.4 34.8 8.3 6.8 Bottom 53.4 19.0 34.8 8.3 6.8 Surface 53.3 22.0 35.0 8.3 6.6 East Mid-Depth 53.5 22.0 35.1 8.3 6.5 Bottom 53.4 20.8 35.1 8.3 6.7 Surface 53.2 22.1 34.9 8.3 6.6 Gill Net Middle Mid-Depth 53.3 22.0 35.0 8.3 6.5 SL3 C Bottom 53.4 21.5 35.0 8.3 6.6 Surface 53.2 22.1 34.9 8.3 6.5 West Mid-Depth 53.3 21.9 35.0 8.3 6.5 Bottom 53.4 21.0 34.9 8.3 6.6 Table 3. Scientific and Common Names of Taxa Captured by Trawl, Plankton Netting, Gill Netting, and Beach Seining or Observed in Sea Turtle Surveys, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 7 (January 2014 - February 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Scientific Name Common Name Cephalopoda Loliginidae squid Acetes americanus aviu shrimp Arenaeus cribrarius speckled swimming crab Callinectes sapidus* blue crab Callinectes sp.* swimming crabs Caridea caridean shrimp Emerita talpoida* Atlantic sand crab Farfantepenaeus duorarum* pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus sp.* penaeid shrimp Menippe mercenaria* Florida stone crab Ogyrides hayi sand longeye shrimp Paguroidea hermit crab Palaemonidae palaemonid shrimp * penaeid shrimp Persephona mediterranea mottled purse crab Phycomenes siankaanensis iridescent shrimp Portunidae* swimming crabs Portunus gibbesii iridescent swimming crab Portunus sp. portunid crab Processa sp. night shrimp / Xiphopenaeus complex* Rimapenaeus / Xiphopenaeus complex Rimapenaeus constrictus* roughneck shrimp Sicyonia sp.* rock shrimp Echinoderms Arbaciidae sea urchins Clypeasteroida sand dollars Scientific Name Common Name Fish and Eggs Albula sp. bonefishes Anchoa sp.** common anchovy Archosargus probatocephalus sheepshead Atherinopsidae New World silversides Bairdiella chrysoura silver perch Blenniidae combtooth blennies Brevoortia sp.** menhadens Calamus penna sheep head Carangidae jacks Caranx crysos blue runner Caranx hippos crevalle jack Caranx latus horse-eye jack Carcharhinus brevipinna spinner shark Carcharhinus limbatus blacktip shark Chloroscombrus chrysurus Atlantic bumper Citharichthys macrops spotted whiff Citharichthys sp. whiff Citharichthys spilopterus bay whiff Clupeidae** herrings and sardines Clupeiformes** herring-like fishes Cynoscion nebulosus spotted sea trout Cynoscion nothus** silver seatrout Cynoscion sp. seatrouts Echeneis naucrates sharksucker Engraulidae** anchovies Ephippidae spadefishes Etrumeus teres** round herring Eucinostomus gula silver jenny Eucinostomus sp. mojarra Gobiesox strumosus skilletfish Gobiidae gobies Gonostomatidae lightfishes Haemulidae grunts Scientific Name Common Name Harengula jaguana** scaled sardine Labridae wrasses Labrisomidae labrisomid blennies Lagodon rhomboides pinfish Larimus fasciatus banded drum Leiostomus xanthurus** spot Lutjanidae snappers Menticirrhus americanus** southern kingfish Menticirrhus littoralis** Gulf kingfish Menticirrhus saxatilis** northern kingfish Menticirrhus sp.** kingfishes/ Weakfishes Microgobius gulosus clown goby Microgobius thalassinus green goby Micropogonias undulatus** Atlantic croaker Mugil curema silver mullet Mugilidae mullets Muraenidae moray eels Mustelus canis smooth dogfish Myctophidae lanternfishes Orthopristis chrysoptera** pigfish Paralichthys albigutta Gulf flounder Pareques sp. drum Peprilus triacanthus butterfish Phosichthyidae lightfishes Pleuronectiformes flounders Polydactylus virginicus barbu Pomacanthidae angelfishes Pomacentridae damselfishes Pomatomus saltatrix** bluefish Prionotus scitulus** leopard searobin Rachycentron canadum cobia Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic sharpnose shark Sciaenidae drums and croakers Scientific Name Common Name Scomberomorus maculatus** Atlantic spanish mackerel Scombridae mackerels Serranidae sea basses and groupers Sparidae porgies Sphyrna tiburo bonnethead shark Syngnathus sp. pipefishes Synodus foetens inshore lizardfish Tetragonuridae squaretails Tetraodontidae puffers Trachinotus falcatus permit Triglidae searobins Umbrina coroides** sand drum Unidentified eggs unidentified eggs Sea Turtles Chelonia mydas** green sea turtle

*Commercially and recreationally important (CRI) decapod crustaceans

**Representative Important Species (RIS) Table 4. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Trawl during One 15-minute Tow at Each Station, Post- Uprate Sampling Event 7 (January 2014 - February 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

SL1 SL2 SL3 Taxon Total A B C A B C A B C Crustaceans Portunus gibbesii 4 2 7 1 12 3 2 31 Paguroidea 20 20 Acetes americanus 9 9 Rimapenaeus constrictus* 4 2 6 Palaemonidae 3 3 Portunus sp. 2 1 3 Arenaeus cribrarius* 1 1 Caridea 1 1 Farfantepenaeus duorarum* 1 1 Ogyrides hayi 1 1 Penaeidae* 1 1 Persephona mediterranea 1 1 Phycomenes siankaanensis 1 1 Processa sp. 1 1 SL1 SL2 SL3 Taxon Total A B C A B C A B C Echinoderms Clypeasteroida 1 1 2 Arbaciidae 1 1 Fish Anchoa sp.** 41 41 Albula sp. 5 5 Umbrina coroides** 4 1 5 Citharichthys macrops 1 1 2 Eucinostomus gula 1 1 Larimus fasciatus 1 1 Synodus foetens 1 1 Total 70 3 1 41 0 1 17 3 3 139 *Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans **Representative Important Species (RIS) Table 5. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 7 (January 2014 - February 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent the number of individuals captured per kilometer for all nine transects.)

SL1 SL2 SL3 Taxon Total A B C A B C A B C Crustaceans Portunus gibbesii 6.36 2.25 11.46 1.60 15.49 3.69 3.34 4.93 Paguroidea 32.74 3.18 Acetes americanus 14.30 1.43 Rimapenaeus constrictus* 6.55 2.58 0.95 Palaemonidae 4.77 0.48 Portunus sp. 3.27 1.67 0.48 Arenaeus cribrarius* 1.59 0.16 Caridea 1.59 0.16 Farfantepenaeus duorarum* 1.59 0.16 Ogyrides hayi 1.64 0.16 Penaeidae* 1.64 0.16 Persephona mediterranea 1.64 0.16 Phycomenes siankaanensis 1.64 0.16 Processa sp. 1.64 0.16 SL1 SL2 SL3 Taxon Total A B C A B C A B C Echinoderms Clypeasteroida 2.02 1.29 0.32 Arbaciidae 1.12 0.16 Fish Anchoa sp.** 65.16 65.16 Albula sp. 7.95 0.80 Umbrina coroides** 6.36 1.64 0.80 Citharichthys macrops 1.64 1.29 0.32 Eucinostomus gula 1.29 0.16 Larimus fasciatus 1.59 0.16 Synodus foetens 1.64 0.16 Total 111.25 3.37 2.02 67.13 0.00 1.60 21.94 3.69 5.02 22.10 *Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans **Representative Important Species (RIS) Table 6. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 7 ( January 2014 - February 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

SL1 SL2 SL3 Taxon Total A B C A B C A B C Crustaceans Portunidae* 8 7 1 6 22 Fish Leiostomus xanthurus** 297 297 Micropogonias undulatus** 2 169 171 Scomberomorus maculatus** 65 65 Caranx hippos 1 27 3 31 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1 12 1 17 31 Caranx crysos 1 4 15 20 Mustelus canis 5 10 1 16 Sphyrna tiburo 1 3 1 4 3 12 Umbrina coroides** 9 9 Caranx latus 7 7 Larimus fasciatus 7 7 Pomatomus saltatrix** 7 7 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 4 2 6 Prionotus scitulus** 1 1 3 5 Carcharhinus brevipinna 2 1 3 Carcharhinus limbatus 3 3 Cynoscion nothus** 3 3 Menticirrhus americanus** 1 1 2 Menticirrhus saxatilis** 2 2 SL1 SL2 SL3 Taxon Total A B C A B C A B C Calamus penna 1 1 Cynoscion nebulosus 1 1 Echeneis naucrates 1 1 Orthopristis chrysoptera** 1 1 Peprilus triacanthus 1 1 Rachycentron canadum 1 1 Grand Total 5 6 17 89 538 24 10 1 35 725 *Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans **Representative Important Species (RIS) Table 7. Catch Per Unit Effort (Number of Individuals Per Hour of Soak Time) for Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 7 (January 2014 - February 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent the number of individuals captured per hour for all nine transects.) SL1 SL2 SL3 Taxon Total A B C A B C A B C Crustaceans Portunidae* 11.71 7.00 0.38 6.92 2.45 Fish Leiostomus xanthurus** 113.50 33.06 Micropogonias undulatus** 2.73 64.59 19.04 Scomberomorus maculatus** 65.00 7.24 Caranx hippos 1.62 10.32 3.83 3.45 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1.46 12.00 0.38 18.89 3.45 Caranx crysos 1.46 5.11 16.67 2.23 Mustelus canis 7.32 11.54 1.11 1.78 Sphyrna tiburo 1.62 4.09 1.46 1.53 3.83 1.34 Umbrina coroides** 3.44 1.00 Caranx latus 2.68 0.78 Larimus fasciatus 2.68 0.78 Pomatomus saltatrix** 2.68 0.78 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 4.62 2.22 0.67 Prionotus scitulus** 1.46 0.38 3.46 0.56 Carcharhinus brevipinna 2.00 0.38 0.33 Carcharhinus limbatus 3.00 0.33 Cynoscion nothus** 1.15 0.33 Menticirrhus americanus** 1.36 1.28 0.22 SL1 SL2 SL3 Taxon Total A B C A B C A B C Menticirrhus saxatilis** 0.76 0.22 Calamus penna 1.62 0.11 Cynoscion nebulosus 0.38 0.11 Echeneis naucrates 1.15 0.11 Orthopristis chrysoptera** 1.62 0.11 Peprilus triacanthus 0.38 0.11 Rachycentron canadum 1.62 0.11 Grand Total 8.11 8.18 24.88 89.00 205.61 27.69 12.77 1.28 38.89 80.71 *Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans **Representative Important Species (RIS) Table 8. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Beach Seine at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 7 (January 2014 - February 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. SL1 SL2 SL3 Taxa Total A B C A B C A B C Fish Umbrina coroides* 18 1 21 5 40 6 91 Menticirrhus littoralis* 5 3 8 Polydactylus virginicus 1 3 1 5 Trachinotus falcatus 2 3 5 Menticirrhus americanus* 3 1 4 Caranx hippos 1 1 Eucinostomus gula 1 1 Harengula jaguana* 1 1 Leiostomus xanthurus* 1 1 Mugil curema 1 1 Total 19 2 1 21 13 54 1 6 1 118 *Representative Important Species (RIS) Table 9. Average total length (TL) and average weight (Wt) of each Representative Important Species Captured by Gill Net, Trawl, and Beach Seine, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 7 (January 2014 - February 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. For each species the number weighed/measured (n) and the total number collected (N) are given. Beach Seine Gill Net Trawl Taxa TL Wt TL Wt TL Wt n N n N n N (mm) (g) (mm) (g) (mm) (g) Leiostomus xanthurus 236.0 139.6 1 1 232.1 149.4 30 297 Micropogonias undulatus 248.5 173.5 32 171 Scomberomorus maculatus 408.7 341.0 30 65 Umbrina coroides 92.1 27.4 76 91 272.2 262.8 9 9 57.7 3.2 5 5 Pomatomus saltatrix 354.9 490.7 7 7 Prionotus scitulus 186.0 51.4 5 5 Cynoscion nothus 310.3 292.0 3 3 Menticirrhus americanus 62.0 2.2 4 4 326.5 342.0 2 2 Menticirrhus saxatilis 328.5 350.5 2 2 Orthopristis chrysoptera 225.0 163.0 1 1 Menticirrhus littoralis 126.2 30.1 8 8 Harengula jaguana 67.8 2.9 1 1 Anchoa sp. 31.7 0.2 30 41 Table 10. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish Eggs and Larvae and Commercially or Recreationally Important Decapod Crustacean Larvae Captured Per Cubic Meter of Water Filtered During One 15-minute Bongo-Net Tow at Each Transect, Post Uprate Sampling Event 7 (January 2014 - February 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent numbers captured per cubic meter of water filtered at all six transects.) SL1 SL2 SL3 Taxa LifeStage Total A C A C A C Cephalopods Loliginidae Juvenile 0.03 0.006 Crustaceans Emerita talpoida Zoea 0.27 0.72 0.18 1.88 1.63 0.48 0.962 Sicyonia sp. Mysis 0.02 0.65 1.09 0.25 0.02 0.413 Penaeidae Mysis 1.35 0.303 Rimapenaeus/Xiphopenaeus complex Mysis 0.86 0.139 Callinectes sp. Zoea 0.03 0.01 0.09 0.29 0.069 Callinectes sp. Megalops 0.06 0.23 0.01 0.18 0.066 Portunidae Zoea 0.22 0.049 Arenaeus cribrarius Megalops 0.03 0.006 Menippe mercenaria Zoea 0.04 0.006 Penaeidae Post Larvae 0.03 0.01 0.006 Portunidae Megalops 0.04 0.006 Callinectes sapidus Megalops 0.03 0.003 Farfantepenaeus sp. Post Larvae 0.01 0.003 Loliginidae Other 0.02 0.003 Penaeidae Protozoea 0.01 0.003 SL1 SL2 SL3 Taxa LifeStage Total A C A C A C Fish Eggs Unidentified eggs Egg 12.79 3.98 5.82 1.21 15.66 0.18 6.162 Clupeiformes Egg 11.41 2.66 1.717 Fish Cynoscion sp. Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.04 0.25 0.052 Microgobius gulosus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.18 0.03 0.04 0.046 Sciaenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.08 0.11 0.01 0.05 0.043 Menticirrhus sp. Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.27 0.040 Clupeidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.03 0.16 0.035 Unidentified fish - damaged Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.04 0.06 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.032 Carangidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.15 0.03 0.02 0.029 Triglidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.13 0.029 Etrumeus teres Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.15 0.023 Gobiidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.06 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.023 Paralichthys albigutta Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.12 0.023 Pomacentridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.03 0.01 0.05 0.020 Sparidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.017 Blenniidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.03 0.014 Lutjanidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.06 0.02 0.01 0.014 Serranidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.10 0.01 0.014 Haemulidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.04 0.03 0.012 Microgobius thalassinus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.012 Phosichthyidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.06 0.012 Pleuronectiformes Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.08 0.02 0.012 Brevoortia sp. Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.06 0.009 Labridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.009 SL1 SL2 SL3 Taxa LifeStage Total A C A C A C Anchoa sp. Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.04 0.006 Citharichthys spilopterus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.006 Ephippidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.006 Gonostomatidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.02 0.006 Pareques sp. Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.006 Pomacanthidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.006 Tetragonuridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.04 0.006 Archosargus probatocephalus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Atherinopsidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Bairdiella chrysoura Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Citharichthys sp. Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Cynoscion nebulosus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Engraulidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.003 Eucinostomus sp. Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.003 Gobiesox strumosus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Labrisomidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.003 Lagodon rhomboides Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Mugilidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Muraenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Myctophidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Scombridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Syngnathus sp. Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.01 0.003 Tetraodontidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Total 14.08 6.60 18.26 6.23 21.88 1.05 10.529 Table 11. Number of Individuals of Each Species of Sea Turtle Sighted During Each of Two Passes Along Three One-Kilometer-Long Transects, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 7 (January 2014 - February 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

SL 1 SL 2 SL 3 SPECIES Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Chelonia mydas 0 1 1 0 0 0